Francis Kimanzi makes comeback as interim head coach as Harambee Stars unveil squad for Mapinduzi Cup

Harambee Stars have unveiled a provisional squad for the upcoming Mapinduzi Cup that has seen former coach Francis Kimanzi make a comeback as interim head coach.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from January 3, 2025, to January 13, 2025.

Harambee Stars technical bench

Kimanzi will lead the technical bench, with John Kamau and Zedekiah Otieno serving as deputies.

Former Kenyan international goalkeeper Arnold Origi has been appointed goalkeeper coach, while Mikael Igediah will oversee fitness technology.

Wycliff Makanga and Noel Mandi will serve as the team doctor and physiotherapist, respectively. The appointments are temporary as the recruitment process for the official national team coaching staff continues.

The team, which consists of a mix of experienced and emerging talents, is set to enter residential camp on December 28, 2024, in a preparation that is part of a broader plan to give local players exposure ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.

FKF Deputy President McDonald Mariga says the Mapinduzi Cup is key in preparing the team for CHAN.

“The Mapinduzi Cup offers our local boys a perfect opportunity to prepare for the upcoming CHAN tournament, and this is why we have honored the invite. We will give the team all the required support to ensure they are settled and ready to concentrate on their job, which is to play football and carry the Kenyan flag high,” Mariga said.

Provisional Harambee Stars Squad

Goalkeepers

Byrne Omondi (Bandari FC), Farouk Shikalo (KCB FC), Sebastian Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks).

Defenders

Brian Okoth (Kenya Police FC), Charles Momanyi (Tusker FC), Hanif Wesonga (KCB FC), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Baron Ochieng (Sofapaka FC), Ronald Sichenje (AFC Leopards), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC).

Midfielders

Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC), Musa Katimbi (Kenya Police FC), Michael Mutinda (KCB FC), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars FC), Ben Stanley Omondi (Kakamega Homeboyz), Brian Michira (Shabana FC), Ovella Ochieng (AFC Leopards), David Okoth (Kenya Police FC), Isaac Omweri (Nairobi United FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Samuel Kapen (Gor Mahia FC), Darius Msagah (Shabana FC), Victor Omune (AFC Leopards). Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police FC), Shafan Siwa (Tusker FC), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), David Okoth (Kenya Police FC).

Strikers

Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC), Francis Kahiro (KCB FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz).

Interim Technical Bench

Francis Kimanzi (Head Coach) John Kamau, Zedekiah Otieno (Assistant Coaches) Arnold Origi (Goalkeeper Coach) Mikael Igediah (Fitness Technology) Wycliff Makanga (Team Doctor), Noel Mandi (Physiotherapist).